A man identified as Seyi has been shot dead at Ijako Market, Owode-Ijako, Ogun State, after suspected cultists allegedly mistook him for a member of a rival group.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, September 23, when the attackers stormed the market in search of another man identified as Dammy.
A police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the assailants located a group of youths around the market before opening fire.
“We got a report that the incident happened just behind the market. Some boys came to the market looking for a certain target. They got to the spot where the boys were, and they shot the victim,” the source said.
The source linked the incident to a suspected dispute connected with the illicit drug trade, adding that the police had commenced an investigation.
“Police have commenced investigation into the incident and are making efforts to identify and arrest those responsible,” the source added.
Meanwhile, an anti-cultism advocacy platform, Naija Confra, claimed that the attackers had gone to the area specifically to locate Dammy before Seyi was killed.
The platform alleged that the victim was not the intended target and was also attacked with an axe after being shot.
According to the group, the attackers reportedly identified themselves with a cult slogan and called Dammy’s name before the shooting.
The group said residents initially believed the person killed was Dammy until they examined the victim and discovered that he was Seyi.
The incident has reportedly caused concern among residents and traders in the area, amid renewed concerns over clashes involving suspected cult groups in parts of Ogun State.
When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said he was not aware of the incident.
Babaseyi, however, promised to make enquiries and provide an update, but no further information had been received as of the time of filing this report.
The circumstances surrounding Seyi’s death, including the identity and motive of the attackers, remain subject to police investigation.
